Fatimatu Abubakar with participants
The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has officially inaugurated the third cohort of the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) in North Dzorwulu.
The programme, aimed at equipping media professionals with advanced skills, is a critical step in bolstering the role of the media as the fourth estate in Ghana’s democracy.
Madam Abubakar underscored the importance of the media in nation-building, stressing that a well-informed and capable media is integral to Ghana’s democratic process.
“I am excited to see the commitment and enthusiasm of all the participants gathered here and online. This programme is not just a scheduled event; it is an essential step in enhancing our democracy and media environment,” the minister said.
She lauded her predecessor, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, for laying the foundation for the programme, which has become a cornerstone of media training in Ghana.
The MCEP, first launched in January 2022, aims to equip media professionals with the skills necessary to advance the nation’s development.
The participants, including reporters, producers, social media executives, and media critics, were selected by an independent working committee. Over 100 journalists have benefitted from the training in previous cohorts.
Madam Abubakar encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to broaden their skills, stressing the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity in their work.
“The media is a very strong instrument that carries a lot of responsibility. You have a vital responsibility to enlighten and educate the public, and you must do so with honesty and a dedication to the truth,” she urged.
The MCEP is set to end on Friday, September 13, 2024.